Hotels Federation meets minister and presses for reopening date

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation has urged the Executive to include the sector in its upcoming review of lockdown restrictions and to immediately give an indicative reopening date.

Speaking after meeting Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA, NIHF President Stephen Meldrum said: “Hoteliers really appreciate the government support that has been received to date and the continuing assistance that is being offered. However, the Federation is pressing for the sector to be included in the 15 April review with an indicative date forthcoming at that time.

“A date will allow hotels to preserve as much of the summer season as possible and engage with staff in terms of training and recruitment. It will also give hoteliers the opportunity to liaise with suppliers to ensure goods and services are in place, which will be a challenge given pressures on the supply chain and the number of businesses reopening.

“There is also the issue of weddings and civil ceremonies with over 3,000 weddings in the coming months, it is vital that we reassure those planning to have one of the most important days of their lives and give them some certainty.”

The meeting’s agenda included a pathway for the sector, the need for continuing  support and the importance of a sustainable trading environment for re-opening.

Mr Meldrum added: “Federation members want to ensure that there is a viable framework in place that will enable hoteliers to reopen their doors and trade in a sustainable way.

“The crucial component of this is having an opening date to work towards. In the other devolved nations and England indicative dates have been provided for tourism and hospitality opening up, whereas in Northern Ireland there has been no mention of re-opening.

‘Real opportunity’

“The Federation is asking that hotels be allowed to open no later than the 17 May 2021 and that the sector is supported until then. If premises are in a position to open earlier than this date they should be permitted to do so.

“The industry is mature enough to understand that the dynamic nature of the pandemic with its many moving parts may result in some delays or amendment to plans but planning is the key to success.

“Hotels can offer a real opportunity to maximise the potential of staycations, create new employment, restore the economy and give much needed hope.”

Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA said: “The safe and sustainable reopening of our hotels, restaurants and bars is paramount. I firmly believe it is time to give businesses the clarity and certainty they need to help them to plan, to order in stock and bring staff back off furlough.

“We must put all our efforts into restarting and rebuilding our economy.”